Modified Shuffled Based Architecture for High-Throughput Decoding of LDPC Codes

Low Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes achieve the best performance when they are decoded with the sum-product (SP) algorithm. This is a two-phase iterative algorithm where two types of messages are interchanged and updated in each iteration. The group-shuffled or layered decoding schemes applied to the SP algorithm speed up its convergence by modifying its schedule, so they yield a reduction in the number of iterations required to achieve a given performance. However, the two-phase processing is still maintained. In this paper a modification of the group-shuffled scheme suitable for high-rate LDPC codes is proposed. The modification allows the overlapping of the two-phase computation, achieving a convergence speed up close to that of the group-shuffled scheme with higher throughput. Besides, high throughput architectures are presented for the modified algorithm. As an example, the proposed architecture has been implemented for the 2048-bit LDPC code of the IEEE 802.3an standard and it was synthesized in a 90 nm CMOS process achieving a throughput of 22.40 Gbps at 14 iterations with a clock frequency of 306 MHz and a total area of 10.5 mm². Furthermore, the decoder performs within 0.5 dB of the floating-point 100 iterations sum-product algorithm at a PER of 10⁻⁵.     

Fabrication of CdSe‐Nanofibers with Potential for Biomedical Applications

The design and synthesis of nanostructured functional hybrid biomaterials are essential for the next generation of advanced diagnostics and the treatment of disease. A simple route to fabricate semiconductor nanofibers by self‐assembled, elastin‐like polymer (ELP)‐templated semiconductor nanoparticles is reported. Core–shell nanostructures of CdSe nanoparticles with a shell of ELPs are used as building blocks to fabricate functional one‐dimensional (1D) nanostructures. The CdSe particles are generated in situ within the ELP matrix at room temperature. The ELP controls the size and the size‐distribution of the CdSe nanoparticles in an aqueous medium and simultaneously directs the self‐assembly of core–shell building blocks into fibril architectures. It was found that the self‐assembly of core–shell building blocks into nanofibers is strongly dependent on the pH value of the medium. Results of cytotoxicity and antiproliferation of the CdSe‐ELP nanofibers demonstrate that the CdSe‐ELP does not exhibit any toxicity towards B14 cells. Moreover, these are found to be markedly capable of crossing the cell membrane of B14. In contrast, unmodified CdSe nanoparticles with ELPs cause a strong toxic response and reduction in the cell proliferation. This concept is valid for the fabrication of a variety of metallic and semiconductor 1D‐architectures. Therefore, it is believed that these could be used not only for biomedical purposes but for application in a wide range of advanced miniaturized devices.     

Editorial: Security and Privacy in Internet of Things

Mobile Networks and Applications -     

Automated analysis of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) data based on the Laguerre deconvolution method

In fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), fluorescence time decay at each pixel of the imaged sample are measured. Every recorded fluorescence decay corresponds to the time convolution of the instrument response with the intrinsic fluorescence impulse response function (IRF), from which the sample fluorescence lifetime is determined. To estimate the IRF, the instrument response thus needs to be deconvolved from the recorded fluorescence decay. We have recently introduced a novel FLIM time-deconvolution method based on the linear expansion of the fluorescence decays on an orthonormal Laguerre basis. Since this method allows simultaneous estimation of the IRFs at all pixels, it performs at least two orders of magnitude faster than standard algorithms. In its original implementation, however, the Laguerre basis, determined by the Laguerre parameter α, is selected using a heuristic approach. Here, we present an automated implementation, whereby the Laguerre parameter α is treated as a free parameter within a nonlinear least squares optimization scheme. The new implementation combines the unmatched inherent computational speed of the Laguerre deconvolution method with a systematic model selection approach. This method will thus facilitate applications of FLIM requiring automatic estimation of the spatial distribution of fluorescence lifetimes, such as in in vivo tissue FLIM imaging.     

Compact Modules for Wireless Communication Systems in the E-Band (71–76 GHz)

The millimeter-wave spectrum above 70 GHz provides a cost-effective solution to increase the wireless communications data rates by increasing the carrier wave frequencies. We report on the development of two key components of a wireless transmission system, a high-speed photodiode (HS-PD) and a Schottky Barrier Diode (SBD). Both components operate uncooled, a key issue in the development of compact modules. On the transmitter side, an improved design of the HS-PD allows it to deliver an output RF power exceeding 0 dBm (1 mW). On the receiver side, we present the design process and achieved results on the development of a compact direct envelope detection receiver based on a quasi-optical SDB module. Different resonant (meander dipole) and broadband (Log-Spiral and Log-Periodic) planar antenna solutions are designed, matching the antenna and Schottky diode impedances at high frequency. Impedance matching at baseband is also provided by means of an impedance transition to a 50 Ohm output. From this comparison, we demonstrate the excellent performance of the broadband antennas over the entire E-band by setting up a short-range wireless link transmitting a 1 Gbps data signal.     

Reputation based selfishness prevention techniques for mobile ad-hoc networks

Mobile ad-hoc networks require nodes to cooperate in the relaying of data from source to destination. However, due to their limited resources, selfish nodes may be unwilling to forward packets, which can deteriorate the multi-hop connectivity. Different reputation-based protocols have been proposed to cope with selfishness in mobile ad-hoc networks. These protocols utilize the watchdog detection mechanism to observe the correct relaying of packets, and to compile information about potential selfish nodes. This information is used to prevent the participation of selfish nodes in the establishment of multi-hop routes. Despite its wide use, watchdog tends to overestimate the selfish behavior of nodes due to the effects of radio transmission errors or packet collisions that can be mistaken for intentional packet drops. As a result, the availability of valid multi-hop routes is reduced, and the overall performance deteriorates. This paper proposes and evaluates three detection techniques that improve the ability of selfishness prevention protocols to detect selfish nodes and to increase the number of valid routes.     

From irradiance to output power fluctuations: the PV plant as a low pass filter

The power generated by large grid‐connected photovoltaic (PV) plants depends greatly on the solar irradiance. This paper studies the effects of the solar irradiance variability analyzing experimental 1‐s data collected throughout a year at six PV plants, totaling 18 MWp. Each PV plant was modeled as a first order filter function based on an analysis in the frequency domain of the irradiance data and the output power signals. An empiric expression which relates the filter parameters and the PV plant size has been proposed. This simple model has been successfully validated precisely determining the daily maximum output power fluctuation from incident irradiance measurements. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mechanism of Crystallization and Implications for Charge Transport in Poly(3‐ethylhexylthiophene) Thin Films

In this work, crystallization kinetics and aggregate growth of poly(3‐ethylhexylthiophene) (P3EHT) thin films are studied as a function of film thickness. X‐ray diffraction and optical absorption show that individual aggregates and crystallites grow anisotropically and mostly along only two packing directions: the alkyl stacking and the polymer chain backbone direction. Further, it is also determined that crystallization kinetics is limited by the reorganization of polymer chains and depends strongly on the film thickness and average molecular weight. Time‐dependent, field‐effect hole mobilities in thin films reveal a percolation threshold for both low and high molecular weight P3EHT. Structural analysis reveals that charge percolation requires bridged aggregates separated by a distance of ≈2–3 nm, which is on the order of the polymer persistence length. These results thus highlight the importance of tie molecules and inter‐aggregate distance in supporting charge percolation in semiconducting polymer thin films. The study as a whole also demonstrates that P3EHT is an ideal model system for polythiophenes and should prove to be useful for future investigations into crystallization kinetics.     

License Plate Recognition for Parking Control System by Mathematical Morphology

Nowadays, license plate recognition for parking systems is a critical task to provide automatic control of customers and payment. This paper introduces a new method for automatic recognition of license plates of vehicles by mathematical morphology. The proposed method can provide the license plate number of the plates in different light conditions, colors, sizes, and inclination (angles). The algorithm can recognize the license plates of European Union vehicles quickly and correctly. The pattern learning of mathematical skeletons has high efficiency in the process. The performance of the algorithm is demonstrated well by being tested on a parking control system.